Ridgemount Cottage Nursery School

Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
Feb 27th, 2021

It goes without saying this year has been unprecedented for many! Ridgemount has gone above and beyond to ensure that they have provided quality childcare in a safe and secure environment. As both an employee and a parent at Ridgemount, I am thrilled with steps that they have put into place; fogging of rooms each night, regularly disinfecting resources through the day, staff wearing mask when less than 2m apart, rotation and quarantine of resources that can't be disinfected. I feel confident taking my daughter to Ridgemount and throughout the pandemic all staff have been professional, supportive and reassuring.
Dec 7th, 2020

Pros- let me start by saying the nursery itself is very clean and highly maintained. Some of the staff are very nice and friendly. helped me swap my days during covid. The app was great seeing photos of my child and what she is up to on a daily basis. My child had no complaints and seemed very happy with her group of friends and teachers. Education wise I think it's excellent and the tutors for my daughters class are friendly and helpful. Cons- unfortunately my child was asked to be picked up or sent home numerous times whether it was due to a cough, not eating, unsettled, or even a rash. I understand that it is the nursery's duty to be concerned and alert at children's health. And raise concerns, but it was becoming quite frequently and I would loose money for paying that absence and to be taken out of work. Considering I have only been with this nursery for 5 months, It's not very affordable for me as I pay to have my child looked after whilst I'm at work. Instead of having that dreaded email all the time when I am at work. I think what is wrong now, Instead of persevering or finding alternative solution, I would Constantly get bombarded with messages from the nursery on a daily basis whether it was asking to bring in a dummy, or if she is attending because she didn't turn up at 8am. I informed them that my husband works so he will bring her soon. But I got same message next day. Bearing in mind my husband works night shifts every second week so only wakes up when she does and then takes her in. If they are getting paid I don't see what the issue was if she was an hour later than the opening time, But I was at work and i was getting send all the emails and messages. Im also disappointed in how much are the monthly costs. if I turned up 5 10 minutes early I would be charged for a full 15 minutes. I addressed this with the manager but was told to just 'reduce my hours if its getting too much' . That was not the proffessional reaction I was expecting. I found that quite rude and sarcastic. Not at all reassuring even though sometimes I would drop her of late and pick her up early on some occasions but the payment was not taken into consideration. despite paying for 2 days a month for early starts, sometimes no one would open the gate until 50 or 55. I had to be at work at 8 sharp. And got charged for the full 15 minutes. Also was left with unstable invoices. and not knowing how much to save each month. unfortunately I have had to find a nursery suitable to accomate early starts with a consistant invoice and hopefully to be able to feel relaxed whilst she is at nursery and not worried everytime my phone vibrates. It was then after I handed in notice that I was emailed to say they were starting to accomate early shifts. I gave my notice period via email at start of October as didn't have correct documents as stated in T&C and was charged for sessions she wasn't attending. I queried this. Also I had to ask for my deposit back. I was then told I would get the choice to either have it taken of final bill or sent as cheque. But i was not informed this before I recieved the invoice of 3 full working days! Seeing as I will be paying for those days I said she will be attending. I reccomend they update the 'changes of termination and session change form' on there direct website as it is not download able nor viewable. So people have to do it via email. I think I am the first person to right a negative review, but everyone is entitled to there own experience and opinion and I don't feel I recieved as much standards as I expected /paid for. Overall I think it's a reasonable nursery it's not cheap but you get what you pay for. But just not for me unfortunately. Education wise I think they have done an excellent job, and her teachers are very helpful and friendly. I am not here to write a bad review or critise but I feel I need to raise my opinion and state that there are areas needed for vast improvement and hope you can see a mother's opinion and perhaps it may help you in the future to be very successful. Regards
Jan 14th, 2021

I have to mention how impressed I have been with Ridgemount Cottage Nurserys response to the challenges that Covid-19 has thrown to us all this year. They have continued to offer outstanding childcare (I have a preschooler and an after school child, in early years education) throughout this year even with the ever changing regulations. They have provided a safe and clean environment for my children, teaching them how to follow the increased health and safety aspects in a fun and friendly way along with providing the ability for outdoor activities in all weathers and fun learning inside when they cant be out. Not only have we been informed thoroughly throughout this time but we see daily the extra efforts of the staff to keep our children safe, but happy. Thank you team, my children love being a part of the Ridgemount family xx
Dec 6th, 2020

Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
Aug 9th, 2020